Pillow

ABSTRACT

A pillow is disclosed which comprises a central portion having a pair of head support limbs which curve outwardly from the head end of the pillow towards a foot end of the pillow. A pair of neck, chin and jaw support limbs extend outwardly at the foot end and inwardly of the head support limbs. The limbs are provided with curved, concave surfaces and define air breathing spaces between the limbs.

This invention relates to a pillow and in particular to a pillow tocounteract obstructive sleep apnoea (USA), snoring and other breathingor posture problems during sleep.

Some pillows used for correcting head position while sleeping encouragepeople to sleep in supine position but sleeping lying upon the backcreates breathing problems and can be dangerous for people sufferingfrom OSA wherein the tongue and soft tissue fall back blocking airwaysor, in the case of snoring, the airway narrows. OSA sufferers need tosleep in side/coma or front positions to avoid or minimise theseproblems. Many conditions result in restless and disturbed sleep due toincorrect positioning of the head upon a pillow because many pillows donot allow for the natural movements of the head of a sleeping person.When in a side or coma sleeping position a sleeping person's face canturn into a pillow and become embedded, which causes pressure around thenose, upper cheek and eye areas. This pressure causes nasal obstructionand discomfort owing to the facial pressure and heat build up on cheeksin turn producing scrunch marks to these areas creating a cosmeticproblem. Some people attempt to compensate for insufficient breathingspace and discomfort by placing hands together under the head formingspace between upper and lower arm. Pounding a temporary hollow in thepillow with one's fist is not a proper solution. Many people,particularly the elderly, have problems with stiffness and lack offlexibility of the cervical neck region of the spine. During sleep mosttherapeutic pillows result in a person's neck being held in an unnaturalposition to receive support and do not allow for natural movement of aperson's head upon a pillow.

In further detail, problems which are associated with various kinds ofconventional pillows are discussed below.

Soft-filled pillows are generally pillows filled with a soft material.If a user wishes to adopt the side/coma position the pillow is arrangedso that the neck is supported, however, the face is inevitably embeddedin the pillow. This causes obstruction of the nasal passage and mouthmaking it difficult to breathe. The uncomfortable pressure being exertedto the facial area around the upper cheek, eye and often ears produces abuild up of heat on the face, especially in hot weather causing afeeling of restlessness. When asleep the neck relaxes and bends the chintowards the chest. When this happens this type of pillow does notprovide good support for the chin and allows it to twist downwards. Thestrategy often used to alleviate one or more of these problems is forthe user to bend the elbow and bring the hand up to rest the head,thereby elevating the head off the pillow. The space formed by the upperand lower arm creates a breathing space that enables the person tobreathe without obstruction and reduces the pressure on the face.However, the arm eventually becomes tired and the blood flow often isrestricted because of the bent elbow. Another way is for the user to putthe face over the edge of the pillow if they wish to side or front sleepin an unobstructed breathing environment but they still experience thefeeling of pressure. Both of these methods often result in very restlesssleep and inevitably the body takes the line of least resistance andturns on the back. Though this may be comfortable for some, it isundesirable for snorers and possibly dangerous for obstructive sleepapnoea sufferers.

The main problem with molded foam pillows of conventional design is dueto the inflexibility to adapt to individual differences. These pillowsare usually designed with a hump for the neck support and a hollow orvalley in the centre for the head section. This style may be suitablefor some for back sleep but usually the neck is overstretched in thisposition which allows the jaw to open and in turn the tongue and softtissue to fall backward, which results in snoring or the obstruction ofthe airway. If a user wishes to side sleep the neck must be held in acertain position to gain any benefit from such a pillow. While theweight of the head is consciously held in the designated position oftenthe neck is overstretched. However, when the neck and body relax asautomatically happens while asleep the head will take on a more naturalposition bending a few degrees towards the chin. Even if this occurs tothe slightest degree, the neck and head become misaligned with theintended designated position for them. Because the head is nowpositioned on top of the neck support/hump section the neck does nothave any support. This causes neck and shoulder pain and puts a lot ofstrain on the spine.

Some prior art pillows have designed a hollow or hole for a pressurefree and unobstructed breathing space. These hollows or holes areembedded in the central part of the pillow and are not adjustable forindividual size heads. Because these holes are in the central part ofthe pillow the back of the head does not receive the correct support,but most importantly, because they are embedded in the pillow if theface is turned downwards even slightly the exhaled air is trapped in thehollow and then reinhaled. This is not at all desirable as carbondioxide can build up in the blood making the user feel tired on waking.

The object of the present invention is to provide a pillow whichovercomes the above disadvantages.

The present invention provides a pillow including;

a pillow body which has;

(a) a central portion having a first bed head end and a second foot end;

(b) a pair of head support limbs extending outwardly from the centralportion and curving from the bed head end towards the foot end;

(c) a pair of neck, chin and jaw support limbs extending outwardly fromthe central portion at the foot end of the central portion and beingspaced inwardly of the head support limbs;

(d) a breathing space being defined between each adjacent head supportlimb and neck, jaw and chin support limb, the breathing space extendingfrom an intermediate position of the central portion between the bedhead end and the foot end of the central portion and curving outwardlyand towards the foot end of the central portion; and

(e) the head support limbs and neck, jaw and chin support limbs havingsurfaces which are curved downwardly from an upper position on the uppersurface of the limbs towards a bottom position adjacent the bottomsurface of the limbs so that the breathing spaces taper from arelatively wide opening between the upper positions of the limbs to arelatively narrower opening at the bottom positions of the limbs.

The pillow according to this invention provides excellent neck jaw andchin and head support for a user in any position on the pillow. Inparticular, it provides support for natural movement of the neck andhead during sleep. The curved and tapering breathing slot provides anunobstructed breathing opening or environment for the user in anyposition the user takes up when resting in an awake condition or whenthe neck moves in a natural fashion during the course of sleep.Furthermore, the curved surfaces of the head and neck, jaw and chinsupport limbs provides a pressure free environment for the facial areain any position during sleep and eliminates heat and discomfort aroundthe upper cheek and eye areas. The reduced pressure also provides acosmetic benefit by reducing or eliminating pressure marks arounddelicate areas. The pillow also provides flexibility for ease ofadjustment during the night should that be necessary by simply movingthe limbs as is required should slight adjustments be required ordesired for personal preference.

Preferably the pillow body includes a separate base section which can beremoved to alter the height of the pillow.

Preferably the pillow has a cover conforming in shape to the pillowbody.

In one embodiment the cover may include an inner liner to form a pouchfor receipt of soft filling material so that soft filling material canbe included in the pouch to change the height and/or shape of thepillow, the inner liner extending along at least part of the length ofthe neck, jaw and chin limbs and the central portion adjacent the footend of the pillow. An inner liner may also be provided at the headsupport limbs.

Preferably cuts are provided in the central portion extending inwardlyfrom the breathing space for accommodating movement of the limbs withrespect to one another and the central portion.

The bed head end of the pillow may also be provided with a V-shapedprofile to also assist in movement of the head support limbs and toprevent buckling with respect to the central portion.

Preferably the breathing spaces are in the form of open spaces extendingcompletely through the pillow.

Preferably additional soft filling may be provided for location betweenthe pillow body and the outer cover for changing the height and/orcontour of the central portion or limbs.

Preferably the pillow body and the outer cover are provided in a pillowslip.

Preferably the upper surface of the pillow body is convoluted or eggcarton shaped.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described, by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a pillow embodying the invention shown in an outercover;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the pillow body with the outercover removed along the line 1a--1a of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view along the line 1b--1b of FIG. 1 alsowith the outer cover removed;

FIG. 1C is a view along the line 1c--1c of FIG. 1 also with the outercover removed;

FIG. 2 is a view from the direction of pointer 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an upper side perspective view of the pillow of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the pillow body;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the neck support limb accordingto one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 according to a secondembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the outer cover on the pillow body;

FIG. 8 is a further view showing the pillow in a pillow case;

FIG. 9 is a view of the pillow inside a standard pillow slip of oneconfiguration;

FIG. 10 is a view of a person sleeping on the pillow according to thepreferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 show diagrammatically the attitudesof a person's head when lying asleep in various positions on the pillow.

With reference to FIG. 1 a pillow embodying the invention is showngenerally in plan view. The pillow comprises a pillow body 2 (shown inan exploded configuration in FIG. 4) which is located inside an outercover 29 as shown in FIG. 1. The pillow body 2 has the same shape as theouter cover 29 except that the pillow body 2 has a generally V-shapedprofile 10a at bed head end 10d of the pillow whereas the cover 29 isgenerally straight at the bed head end 10d of the pillow. The pillowalso has a foot end 10e and a central portion 5 is defined between thebed head end 10d and foot end 10e of the pillow.

A pair of head support limbs 10b and 10c extend in curved fashion fromthe bed head end 10d of the pillow outwardly and downwardly towards thefoot end 10e of the pillow.

A pair of neck, jaw and chin support limbs 11a and 11b extend outwardlyand downwardly from the central portion 5 and inwardly of the limbs 10band 10c.

Air breathing spaces in the form of gaps or slots 13 and 14 are definedbetween the limbs 10b and 11a and between the limbs 10c and 11brespectively. As is clearly shown in FIG. 1 the air breathing slots orgaps 13 and 14 commence at an intermediate position of the centralportion 5 and extend outwardly in curved fashion towards foot end 10e.Thus the slots 13 and 14 are arcuate and have a radius of curvaturewhich is the same as that followed by the mouth and nasal region of auser when a user's head moves during sleep as a person's chin movestowards the user's chest. This relationship is more clearly shown inFIGS. 10 to 17 which will be described hereinafter. As is clearly shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 the limbs 10b, 10c, 11a and 11b terminate in truncatedends 15, 16, 17 and 18 respectively. The limbs 11a and 11b may beslightly higher adjacent ends 16 and 17 than the remainder of the limbs11a and 11b and portion 11.

The central portion 5 has a region 11 generally between the limbs 11aand 11b which forms the primary neck support section of the pillow. Theportions of the pillow labelled 10 which extend across the centralportion 5 and form transitions into the limbs 10b and 10c generally formthe primary head support regions of the pillow.

Shoulders 57 of the limbs 10b and 10c are rounded so if the limbs 10band 10c are moved towards a bed head (not shown) to provide more freedomof movement and prevents blocking of movement of the limbs by the bedhead.

As is best shown in FIG. 1A the central portion 5 in the longitudinaldirection from the bed head end 10d to the foot end 10e is generallyflat from end 10d to a bridging portion 12 between the primary headsupport region 10 and the primary neck support region 11 and then risesupwardly to the primary neck support region 11 so that the primary necksupport region 11 is somewhat higher than the primary head supportregion 10. A small dip or recess 10h may be provided at the commencementof the portion 11 to provide room for a persons ear to reduce pressureagainst the ear. As is also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and thecross-sectional view forming FIG. 1B the central portion 5 in thevicinity of the bridge 12 is curved in convex fashion as shown bysurface 12a in FIG. 1B.

As is also evident from FIGS. 2, 3 and the cross-sectional views formingFIGS. 1B and 1C the neck support region 11 and the neck, jaw and chinsupport limbs 11a and 11b are higher than the primary head supportregions 10 and head support limbs 10b and 10c.

As is also best shown in FIGS. 2 and 1C the limbs 10b and 11a have innersurfaces 10f and 10g which are curved downwardly in convex fashion froman upper position shown by points P to a lower position shown by pointsB so that the slot 13 defined between the limbs 10b and 11a (and alsobetween the limbs 10c and 11b) tapers downwardly from a generally largeupper opening immediately between the points P to a relatively narroweropening between the points B. Outer surfaces 10h and 10j of the limbs10b and 11a (and also of the limbs 10c and 11b) may be generallyvertical surfaces as shown in FIG. 1C or, if desired, may be curved orrounded in convex fashion as shown in FIG. 2 or may be concave.

As best shown in FIG. 4 the pillow body 2 is formed of a base layer 70which is separate from an upper layer 72. Though FIGS. 1A to 1Cgenerally show the pillow body 2 with a smooth outer surface, the outersurface of the upper layer 72 may be convoluted or egg carton shaped asis shown in FIG. 2 to assist in pressure distribution over the areas ofthe user's head which are contacted by the pillow. FIGS. 1A to 1C, 5 and6 show the upper surfaces of the upper body 72 smooth or planar ratherthan convoluted to more clearly and easily show the curvature of thesurfaces. The upper layer 72 is contoured in the manner described withreference to FIGS. 1A to 1C. As can clearly be seen in FIG. 1C the baselayer 70 merely provides a generally thin height adjusting layer whichcan be removed or used as is desired to adjust the height of the pillow.Thus, if a relatively low pillow is desired as may be the case if aperson prefers to sleep on their front or back the base layer 70 can beremoved. If a relatively higher pillow is required for back, side orcoma position sleep, then the base layer 70 is used to slightly increasethe height or thickness of the pillow to suit shoulder height whensleeping in those positions.

The basic contouring of the pillow which provides the curved surfaces asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1C is all provided on the upperlayer 72 so, notwithstanding removal of the base layer 70 the pillowwill still have the shape, characteristics and contouring which has beendescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C.

As is best shown in FIG. 4 the base layer 70 and upper body 72 may beprovided with cuts 74 which extend inwardly into central portion 5 fromthe inner ends of slots 13 and 14 to facilitate movement of the limbs10b, 11a, 10c and 11b generally in the direction of double-headed arrowsA in FIG. 4 to adjust the position of the limbs with respect to oneanother and also with respect to the central portion 5 to suit a user'spersonal needs.

For example, FIG. 7 shows a position of the limbs in a generally closedposition where the truncated ends 15, 16 and 17, 18 generally touch oneanother to close the slots 13 and 14 or maybe move to an open positionas shown in FIG. 8 where the truncated ends 15, 16 and 17, 18 are spacedwell apart from one another. It should be noted that even in the closedposition shown in FIG. 7 the air breathing gaps or slots 13 and 14 areclosed only at the truncated ends and not completely shut off so thatthe air breathing slots and gaps are always provided notwithstandingclosure of the limbs 10b, 11a or 10c, 11b.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross-sectional views through limb 11a showingvarious embodiments of the invention by which additional soft filling 76can be added to increase the height of the limbs or slightly changetheir contour. In the embodiment in FIG. 5 outer cover 29 is shown andan inner liner 31 is sewn to the inner surface of the cover 29. As isshown in dotted lines in FIG. 1 the inner liner 31 extends acrossprimary neck support region 11 and along the majority of the length ofthe limbs 11a and 11b. The liner 31 is left open from the cover 29 atends 33 (see FIG. 1) and soft material stuffing can be stuffed inbetween the liner 31 and cover 29 to form the filling 76 shown in FIG. 5to slightly increase the height of the primary neck support region 11and also part of the limbs 11a and 11b if desired. Alternatively theends 33 could be stitched closed on the pouch filled from a central openlocation. The filling 76 may also provide a softer feel to the pillow.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment in which additional soft fillingmaterial 76 is located between the upper body 72 and the outer cover 29not only in the vicinity of the top of the limb 11a but also down theouter surface 10j if the neck support needs to be wider as well ashigher. The additional stuffing can be used together with the innerliner 31 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 merely shows the embodiment in whichthe inner liner 31 is completely omitted. However, the inner liner 31does provide the advantage of localising and ensuring correct locationof the soft filling material 76 to provide increase in height of thepillow if desired.

FIG. 7 shows the outer cover 29 from beneath in which a zipper 78 orother suitable attachment such as velcro fasteners are used to close theouter cover 29 over the pillow body 2. The outer cover 29 is preferablyformed of a soft, slightly padded material such as quilt material or thelike. In this embodiment ties 24 and 25 may be provided on the cover 29for pulling the portions of the cover 29 adjacent the V-shaped profile10a of the body 2 together to in turn slightly close the V-shapedprofile which will assist in moving the limbs 10b and 10c outwardly fromthe position shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 and then tying them in thatposition.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an outer pillow slip 30 over the cover 29. Theouter pillow slip 30 is intended to be removed periodically for washing.The outer pillow slip 30 may be provided with ties 26 and 27 which canbe used to tie the limbs 10b, 11a and 10c, 11b together in the closedposition if desired.

FIG. 9 shows the further embodiment in which the pillow slip 30 is agenerally rectangular pillow slip 30 rather than one which has the sameshape as the pillow shown in FIGS. 1 to 8. The pillow slip 30 of FIG. 9is of generally loose fit so as to slightly match the contour of thepillow and not interfere with the breathing slots 13 and 14. Whilst thegenerally rectangular pillow slip 30 shown in FIG. 9 is a possibility itis preferred that the pillow slip have the same general configuration asthe pillow as shown by the pillow slip 30 in FIG. 8.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6 the general contour of the curved surfaces of the limbs10b, 11a and 10c, 11b as well as the neck support region 11, bridge 12and head support regions 10 are provided by the upper body portion 72.The upper body portion 72 is preferably formed from resilientsponge-like rubbery or synthetic polymeric material such as foamplastic, for example polyurethane. With other embodiments the finalshaping of the pillow to provide the curved surface as previouslydescribed can be provided not by shaping the actual body 72 but ratherby providing inserts of foam plastics material or soft fill materialinto the outer cover 72 to provide the final shaping previouslydescribed.

The base layer 70 may also be completely free of the upper layer 72 oralternatively releasable ties could be provided on the base layer 70 orupper layer 72 for tying the base layer 70 to the upper layer 72 tomerely secure and hold the base layer 70 in position relative to theupper layer 72.

FIGS. 10 to 17 show how the pillow is used and supports a user's headduring normal head movement while the person is asleep.

FIG. 10 shows how the head and neck are supported during all naturalmovements of the neck and head and particularly as the neck naturallyrelaxes causing the chin to moves towards the chest, and regardless towhat degree this happens the weight of the head is distributed evenly byall support sections since the neck and head follow the natural curve ofall the support sections--the areas shaded by wide hatch lines showhead, neck and chin areas which are supported as the head bends towardsthe chest. FIG. 11 shows the correct spinal alignment along the line Aachieved by the present invention. FIG. 12 shows how sections of thepillow of this invention support a person's head, chin and neck and alsoshows the gradual reduction of pressure to the face as it enters theopen space of the gaps 13, 14--this gradual decrease in pressure gives agreat feeling of comfort and leaves no line on the face where thesupport sections end and the open space begins. FIG. 13 shows a personin prone position and FIG. 14 shows a person sleeping in side or comaposition. FIGS. 15 and 16 show a person in supine position with lowerlimbs of the pillow placed upon a person's shoulders to maintain thehead in correctly aligned position as shown in FIG. 16 where the linelabelled A denotes spinal axis. FIG. 17 shows a person's head inrelation to the pillow when moving the head while sleeping in a supineposition.

It should be noted that even when the outer parts of the limbs of thepillow of this invention are in closed up position, nevertheless the toprolled or convex inner surfaces 10f, 10g remain apart so that thebreathing air slot or gaps 13, 14 remain open and continuous andtherefore unblocked.

It should be particularly noted from FIGS. 10 and 17 that as the headposition changes either by falling towards the chest as in FIG. 10 or bymoving sideways as in FIG. 17 the nose and mouth region generallyremains over the breathing slot or gap between the uppermost points (asidentified by reference P FIG. 1C) of the adjacent limbs 10b, 11a or10c, 11b so that a complete breathing space is always provided and thepillow itself does not contact the mouth or nasal area to block orobstruct the mouth or nasal area. The shape and contour of the slots 13and 14 also allow easy escape of exhaled air so that a build-up ofcarbon dioxide is not created in the vicinity of the nose and mouth.This is particularly shown in preferred embodiments where the slots 13and 14 pass completely through the pillow particularly when the slots 13and 14 are left open so extremely good ventilation is provided into andout of the slots 13 and 14. Nevertheless, even if the slots 13 and 14are closed the elongated contour of the slots 13 and 14 and theirgeneral size are able to provide more than adequate ventilation toensure that there is no carbon dioxide build-up.

FIG. 12 shows the pressure being gradually reduced to the user's face inthe vicinity of the eyes and mouth by the curved surfaces in 10f and 10gas identified by the arrows in FIG. 12. As can be seen by the arrowspressure is reducing gradually towards the eyes and mouth region and ofcourse no pressure results from the slots of 13 or 14 where no contactis made with the person's face. Thus, the gradual pressure changeprovides comfortable support and eliminates the possibility of pressurelines or marks on the user's face which may occur if there are abruptdisruptions and change in surface profile of the pillow. In otherembodiments not shown the base layer 70 or part of the upper layer 72may have different degrees of firmness (by being made from differentmaterial) in the neck support region 11.

Whilst I have described in the foregoing embodiment one preferred formof my invention it will be understood by those skilled in this art thatvariations and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of this invention and I therefore do not wish to beunderstood as limiting myself to the precise terms used.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pillow including:a pillow body which has; (a) acentral portion having a first bed head end and a second foot end; (b) apair of head support limbs extending outwardly from the central portionand curving from the bed head end towards the foot end; (c) a pair ofneck, chin and jaw support limbs extending outwardly from the centralportion at the foot end of the central portion and being spaced inwardlyof the head support limbs; (d) a breathing space being defined betweeneach adjacent head support limb and neck, jaw and chin support limb, thebreathing space extending from an intermediate position of the centralportion between the bed head end and the foot end of the central portionoutwardly and towards the foot end of the central portion; and (e) thehead support limbs and neck, jaw and chin support limbs each having anupper top surface, a lower bottom surface and an inner surface joiningsaid upper top surface and lower bottom surface, said inner surfacesbeing curved downwardly from an upper position on said upper topsurfaces of the limbs towards a bottom position adjacent said lowerbottom surfaces of the limbs so that the breathing spaces taper from arelatively wide opening between the upper positions of the limbs to arelatively narrower opening at the bottom positions of the limbs.
 2. Thepillow of claim 1 wherein the pillow body includes a separate basesection which can be removed to alter the height of the pillow.
 3. Thepillow of claim 1 wherein the pillow has a cover conforming in shape tothe pillow body.
 4. The pillow of claim 3 wherein the cover has an innerliner to form a pouch between the cover and the inner liner for receiptof soft filling material so that soft filling material can be includedin the pouch to change the height and/or shape of the pillow, the innerliner extending along at least part of the length of the neck, jaw andchin limbs and the central portion adjacent the foot end of the pillow.5. The pillow of claim 1, including cuts provided in the central portionextending inwardly from the breathing space for accommodating movementof the limbs with respect to one another and the central portion.
 6. Thepillow of claim 1 wherein the bed head end of the pillow is providedwith a V-shaped profile to assist in movement of the head support limbswith respect to the central portion.
 7. The pillow of claim 1 whereinthe breathing spaces are in the form of open spaces extending completelythrough the pillow.
 8. The pillow of claim 1 wherein additional softfilling may be provided for location between the pillow body and theouter cover for changing the height and/or contour of the centralportion or limbs.
 9. The pillow of claim 1 wherein the pillow body andthe outer cover are provided in a pillow slip.
 10. The pillow of claim 1wherein the upper surface of the pillow body is convoluted or egg cartonshaped.